Join us for our new poetry book club in collaboration with local zine Cicadian Rhythm. Our June 2025 pick is Doggerel by Reginald Dwayne Betts.

One of Literary Hub's Most Anticipated Books of 2025, Doggerel is a revelatory meditation on Blackness, masculinity, and vulnerability from one of poetry's boldest voices.

“Doggerel is an apt name for this lovely collection, with the canine-hidden-in-plain-sight in its title and coursing through so many of the poems. Betts manages to capture essences--of memory, of hope or loss, of oft-overlooked everydayness--in a way that feels surprising and familiar at once.”--Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know

Reginald Dwayne Betts is the author of three books of poetry, including the best-selling Felon. He is a poet, lawyer, and the founder and CEO of Freedom Reads. He lives in New Haven, Connecticut, with his dog.

Poetry Book Club meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at Friendly City Books. See you there!